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Page 178
whores. The gentlemen had gone about their task with considerable enthusiasm. If they were not as quick as the king's half brother at seeing the onset of one of his periods of indolence, they had at least come to knowfar better than Salisburyone of the signs of his emergence from that state.
The women they collected were neither clean nor beautiful, but that did not matter. All that was important was that no one should care whether the creatures lived or died. They might survive the night; some did, but in case they did not no questions would be asked. In fact, one did survive, being thrust out of the castle, muffled in the blood-stained shreds of the women's garments. There was no danger that she would tell any tales, however; her tongue had been cut out, even though she had already been reduced to gibbering idiocy by pain and terror.
In the course of the night, Fulk had suggestedshouting into John's ear to be heard above the screams of fear and painthat the game they were playing might well tame Lady Alinor. He had tried any number of times during the past weeks to reawaken John's interest in giving him the heiress in marriage. Although the king had several times smiled and agreed that he thought it an excellent notion, he had done nothing at all to forward the idea. Now, however, his eyes lit.
"But it is Henry who is making the sweet music," he bellowed in reply, laughing. "Let me see you prove yourself as skilled."
Fulk had returned to his efforts to amuse his master with redoubled spirit, but Henry of Cornhill had heard both remarks and would not be outdone. Moreover, he reminded John of Salisbury's suggestion that the lady should be allowed to choose for herself. The exquisite humor of allowing Alinor to pay a heavy fine for the privilege of choosing between Fulk and Henry had appealed greatly to John. He had been so delighted

 
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